Top reasons to visit Ostend
- Stunning Beaches: Ostend boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying coastal activities.
- Vibrant Jetty Pier: The bustling jetty pier offers a lively atmosphere with shops and eateries, ideal for leisurely strolls.
- Cultural Museums: Explore fascinating museums that highlight the rich history and culture of Ostend.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Discover picturesque hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding areas.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Ostend is perfect for families, featuring numerous outdoor adventures and attractions for all ages.
Find great hotels in and around Ostend
Discover a range of delightful accommodations in Ostend, where you can find the perfect hotel or charming bed & breakfast to suit your needs. With pet-friendly options, beachfront locations, and family-friendly experiences, Ostend hotels offer something for every traveller. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventurous family vacation, you'll find an array of choices in this picturesque coastal city.
- Ibis Budget Brugge Jabbeke: Nestled 14km from Ostend, Ibis Budget Brugge Jabbeke presents an economical lodging option ideal for families and pet owners. This budget-friendly hotel ensures a comfortable stay with family-centric amenities such as a playground and free cribs for the little ones. The property also caters to pets, providing a designated exercise area and essential pet amenities including food and water bowls. With a focus on affordability and family accessibility, this hotel is a practical choice for travellers seeking a relaxed getaway.
- Hotel Mercure Oostende: Located in the heart of Ostend, the 4-star Hotel Mercure Oostende offers a sophisticated yet eco-conscious experience with a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10. This hotel is well-suited for business travellers and eco-friendly vacationers alike, boasting an eco-certification that highlights its commitment to sustainability. Alongside amenities for pets, such as food and water bowls, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay for all guests. With its blend of modern conveniences and a focus on the environment, Hotel Mercure Oostende is a commendable choice for conscientious visitors.
- Leopold Hotel Ostend: The 4-star Leopold Hotel Ostend, also rated 8.0 out of 10, invites adventure seekers to explore the vibrant city of Ostend. This property is situated conveniently for those keen on outdoor activities, with options for hiking, sailing, surfing, and swimming all nearby. The hotel exemplifies a spirit of adventure, making it an excellent option for those looking to engage in recreational pursuits during their stay. With comfortable accommodations and proximity to various activities, Leopold Hotel Ostend promises an exhilarating getaway.
Where to stay in and around Ostend
Ostend, a charming coastal city in Belgium, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and rich cultural experiences. Stroll along the picturesque Ostend beach, unwind in the serene atmosphere, and discover the historical treasures that adorn the city. Nearby, explore beautiful destinations that promise relaxation and romance. Whether youโre enjoying winter in Ostend or indulging in local cuisine, this vibrant city is sure to create lasting memories.
- Belgian Coast: Located a mere 3km from Ostend, the Belgian Coast offers a delightful retreat for those seeking a beach getaway. This area is particularly popular during the warmer months, from July to September, but remains a charming destination year-round. Visitors flock here for its sandy beaches and family-friendly environment, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. The picturesque beach and family beach precinct serve as local landmarks, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.
- De Haan: Situated 10km from Ostend, De Haan is a quaint city that exudes a relaxed coastal charm. It experiences moderate seasonal traffic, peaking from June to August. Families and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to De Haan for its beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails. The area boasts a vibrant tourist precinct, offering a variety of activities and venues for visitors to explore. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast, De Haan is a delightful stop on your Belgian adventure.
- Ostend City Centre: Ostend City Centre, nestled within the heart of Ostend, is an inviting neighbourhood that draws visitors throughout the year. With peak travel periods aligning with summer, from July to September, this area is a hub for families and outdoor lovers alike. The nearby beach and family beach precinct provide ample opportunities for relaxation and fun. The vibrant market scene and scenic hiking trails add to the allure, making Ostend City Centre a vibrant and enjoyable place to explore while on holiday.
Things to do in Ostend
Shopping
In Ostend, visit the bustling shopping district along Kapellestraat for local boutiques and souvenir shops. If you're up for a drive, explore the nearby Marina Plaza, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and a lovely view of the marina.
Recreation
In Ostend, the Thermae Palace Hotel features a tranquil spa with a range of treatments and an indoor pool, allowing guests to relax while enjoying sea views. The nearby Oosteroever offers scenic walking paths alongside the beach, ideal for leisurely strolls amidst natural beauty.
Adventure
The Ostend Beach offers thrilling water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing, set against a stunning coastal backdrop. For a unique adventure, try the Escape Room, where teamwork and problem-solving skills come into play in a race against time to solve puzzles and unlock mysteries.
Nightlife
Ostend's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of bars and clubs. Start your evening at Cafรฉ Botteltje for a laid-back drink, then dance the night away at Club La Rocca, known for its energetic atmosphere and lively music.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ostend
To save money during your visit to Ostend, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Utilise the tram or bus services to explore the city, or simply walk to enjoy its compactness. Enjoy free attractions like Ostend Beach and Fort Napoleon. For the best hotel deals, book about a month in advance, and look for last-minute offers on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Additionally, consider booking a package deal to combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ostend are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Ostend about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ostend is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Ostend is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expediaโs search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations in Ostend with your flights and activities by booking through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Ostend
Ostend is an ideal destination for families and beach lovers seeking outdoor adventures. Highlighted attractions include the stunning beach, the bustling jetty pier, and various museums, offering a rich cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the Oostende Boulevard and relax at Oostende Beach, making it a perfect spot for a memorable family vacation.
- Ostend Beach: Experience the lively atmosphere of Ostend Beach, where golden sands meet the North Sea. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, indulge in local seafood, or simply relax under the sun, soaking in the vibrant beach vibes that define this coastal gem.
- Fort Napoleon: Step back in time at Fort Napoleon, a historic fortification that showcases Ostend's rich cultural heritage. Wander through its impressive structure, learn about its military significance, and appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding area, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
- Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum: Explore the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, which provides insight into Belgium's wartime history. This military museum features authentic bunkers and exhibits that reveal the strategic importance of the coastline, enhancing your understanding of the region's heritage.
Best time to go to Ostend
The best time to visit Ostend can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ostend falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ostend falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.